The Connecticut River Bridge Replacement project will provide a new, two-track movable bridge for Old Saybrook to Old Lyme, increasing reliability, speed, and safety for the Northeast Corridor’s Amtrak passenger operations.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Strengthens U.S. Rail Network
Photo: Amtrak

Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Improves Safety and Performance

Amtrak and its partners continue building the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement, a key investment in the Northeast Corridor. The new bridge will replace the 1907 structure that has reached the end of its useful life.

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Crews broke ground in 2024, thanks to a $1.3 billion contract offered by Amtrak that was made possible by an $826.6 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. The Connecticut Department of Transportation is also crucial for financing.

However, because the existing bridge opens several times in a day for river barge transportation, it frequently causes train delays. The new bridge, constructed 52 feet south of the existing structure, will enable trains to attain a speed of 70 mph, opposed to the existing 45 mph.

Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Supports American Industry

The Connecticut River Bridge Replacement project also enhances local domestic railroad production. The company, Amtrak, has local access to steel and mechanical parts that are assembled in Connecticut. This boosts local employment.

O&G Industries and Tutor Perini lead the construction under a joint venture, while AECOM manages project integration and quality control. Together with Amtrak, FRA, and CTDOT, they ensure the project remains on schedule and meets the highest safety standards.

The construction of the new bridge will be completed by 2031, while the removal of the existing bridge, erected in 1907, will occur by 2029, according to Amtrak. This will enable smoother flow, faster transportation, and reliability for millions of travelers using the NEC.

Source: media.amtrak.com

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What is the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement?

The Connecticut River Bridge Replacement is an Amtrak project to build a new two-track movable bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, replacing the existing 1907 span.

How much does the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement cost?

The project costs about $1.3 billion, including $826.6 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration.

When will the new Connecticut River Bridge open?

Amtrak plans to complete the bridge by 2031 and fully transition operations after demolishing the old structure in 2029.

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